Eat at Thai by Pranee in Hana after the hike. Is it worth it to travel to? Kapalua Coastal Trail; Pipiwai Trail; Waihou Spring Trail . If you relish your driving experiences then the Road to Hana alone is . How did your day go- and would you have changed anything? This first part of the trail is mostly uphill. There are a few short sections of unpaved road and several sections of extremely rough paved road, but regular cars will do just fine. Although Pipiwai Trail is relatively simple to navigate, knowing what to expect before setting out will make it even easier to make the most of your time. Twin Falls is another waterfall along the Road to Hana drive in the jungle of East Maui. And in this part of Maui, it rains quite frequently. Shortly after starting the Ppwai Trail, you will cross Hana Highway. You will need to use the "full site" if using a mobile device. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. Lahaina is a town located on the western coast of the island and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maui. It is right at this point that a grove of mountain apple trees can be found (if you know what youre looking for.) Is it worth it to travel to? If you plan on taking it all in, its just way too much to do in one day. Called the Kpahulu district, this section of the park is lush, green, and filled with waterfalls, plant life, and beautiful coastal scenery. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88162532', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pipiwai trail from Kihei? There is also a national park campground in the Kipahulu district. Beyond the Kpahulu District (to the west), the road becomes rougher and narrower and more remote, which is why many people turn around, rather than driving this section of the road. It is definitely a value at the price of a few extra steps. Free shipping for many products! MAMMOTH CAVE KY The hike brings you to Waimoku Falls, a breathtaking 400-foot waterfall then you turn around and return to the start. If youre a nature lover, please plan out your drive to give yourself enough time to get here and hike this trail. You may want to download offline google maps before you go (its free), as you will likely not have data for most if not all of your drive on the Hana Highway. This NPS Map more accurately shows the trail and streams. It's not that hard. Ive been reading that its now closed, though, but I see this page was last updated just a few weeks ago, so Im hoping its current. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. That said, being cited and fined are unlikely, but youd certainly better be sure that you fully understand your abilities, the physical risks and the current conditions. Also, is there an address for the park? Most people are familiar with the summit section where you can watch the sunrise from above the clouds, but theres a coastal section of the park in a town called Kipahulu, about 12 miles from Hana town. LANAI I'm thinking for me to get an early start, quick stop at Aunt Sandys for banana. Once you cross the bridge, youll enter the Bamboo Forest, which starts with a stone pathway and quickly becomes a nice boardwalk. Approaching the Pipiwai Trail parking from the backside of Haleakala aka from the back road to Hana. That said, an 8-year-old girl was tragically killed on this trail from a falling rock while we were hiking it in 2011. Took us just north of two hours to get back, there was some traffic only in the very end. If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. It is approximately a half-mile from the trailhead. Dont let them wander. Contact us today to make your reservation! My husband and I did this hike today and it was awesome! Maui's Hana Highway is sixty miles of scenic but curvy coastal road, reportedly featuring 620 curves and 59 bridges, most of which are single-lane bridges. There is the normal parking lot right by the Kipahulu Visitor Center, and there is also an overflow parking lot. I am going to Maui the third and forth week of march 2015. About one mile into the hike, the landscape is about to make a dramatic change. Hiking shoes are ideal since they provide a lot of traction but you can also get by with running or walking shoes. For more things to do in Haleakala National Park, with recommendations on how to plan your time, read our Guide to Haleakala National Park. The first part was under the heat and sun, but when you get deeper into the forest (and especially bamboo forests), then its more comfortable. What to . Kipahului District is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Check out our full guide to hiking the Pipiwai Trail below. Take your time on way back. Google maps would be helpful to ease your mind so youll know when youre getting closer. If you're visiting Maui soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Maui Visitor Guides. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110509432', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kihei at 6:15, one bathroom break, and got to the park at almost exactly 9:00. I was in no rush. To Makahiku Falls Viewpoint From the trailhead, it is a 0.5 mile walk to the first viewpoint of the hike, the Makahiku Falls Viewpoint. Minuses: Youll be sharing the trail with lots of other folks. Or you can choose to stay several days on the Road to Hana to take your time with the waterfalls and beaches that are along the Road to Hana! best things to do in Haleakala National Park, Best Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. We have had tons and tons of rain in the past couple months. Maui Tourism Maui Hotels Required fields are marked *. Faster coming down. . Otherwise, it may route you on the back road to Hana. I hope you have a great trip. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. It can get hot on the hike, especially on a sunny day. Aloha Donna the trail does not close, though I would not suggest doing it in the dark! Bamboo Forest ~ Pipiwai Trail If you are going to drive to Hana, the Bamboo forest is a trail worth taking. The location of the Ppwai Trail and Kpahulu District is important, because this part of the national park has operating hours. Winding along a string of dramatic pools and waterfalls, you'll encounter a giant Banyan tree, dense bamboo forests, and a grove of mountain apple . Depending on fitness level, the hike can take anywhere from two to five hours to complete (though we recommend taking your time to enjoy the sights and snap some photos). Plunging almost 200 over a verdant cliff covered with bamboo, prehistoric-looking ferns and Tarzan-worthy jungle vines melting into the postcard-perfect Hawaiian rainforest valley below the scene is breathtaking. I have googled it but have heard to not trust the google maps drive times when it comes to RTH! Along the way you'll be able to explore a dense bamboo forest, a grove of ancient banyan trees, and the spectacular 400-foot Waimoku Falls. Even at a safe distance youll be cooled and refreshed by the mist and wind created by the falling water. There is no parking along Hana Highway. Highly recommend this hike if you have the time!! At this point in the hike, you've reached the bamboo forest at the Pipiwai Trail. Most Internet sources say it takes 2 1/2 5 hours to hike. Considering the variety of scenery and maintenance of the pathway, Pipiwai Trail is often hailed as one of the best hikes on Maui. I see some guide services offer rapelling. The 2-mile Pipiwai Trail inside the park is perfect if you want to go on a hike and see more of the stunning wonders around you. HALEAKALA HI Distance: 4 miles out and back Time: Plan for about 2-4 hours, depending on how muddy the trail is and how much time you take at the waterfall and along the way. Once the bamboo begins to thin out, youll pass some mountain apple trees and a small stream before emerging from the trees into a crescent-shaped rock wall in full view of Waimoku Falls. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. You will probably have to cross the stream in two places before you can get right up under the falls. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Maui. The east side of Maui is lush and green because it rains frequently. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. Arrived at the park around 8:45. Use the restroom at the visitors center before setting out on the hike; there are none on the trail. Cheers, Julie, Hi! HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS Answer 1 of 18: I'm planning a 1 full day 10-12 hour trip up the road to Hana and I am interested in your trips there. There was nothing different that day than any other day, a rock fell, as they do from time to time, and struck a child. Take a look at our calendar and join us for a ranger program. Although the hike has plenty of covered areas, be sure to pack sunscreen and dont forget the bug spray. This idyllic 1.8 mile trail unfolds alongside a string of (many more than seven) pools and waterfalls framed by the lush green diversity of the lush tropical rainforest. Also located in the Kpahulu District is a walking trail that leads to the Seven Sacred Pools at Oheo. You'll need about 2-3 hours to hike Pipiwai at a relaxing pace and get back again (or continue around the Pi'ilani Highway, which re-opened October 4, 2008). The Hanna airport is the closest, but getting a commercial flight there is probably going to be difficult. If you have no interest in driving the back road to Hana, then you will want to make sure that google maps routes you along the Hana Highway that goes past Paia. The bamboo will become thicker, and the ambiance and hollow percussive sounds of bamboo striking one another, will begin to transport you to an Asian nether-world. Believe it or not, the same nuts brave folks you saw jumping from the bridge at the highway sometimes come up here to get their adrenaline fix. I did because its gorgeous and I took my sweet time to bask and absorb it all in. Waimoku Falls via Pipiwai Trail is a unique and very special waterfall hike in Haleakala National Park where your adventures begin even before you reach the trailhead. Once youve cooled down and are ready to continue, you reverse the path from where you came. Spots are limited so you need to book well in advance. And then theres the coastal Kipahulu district with the popular bamboo forest hike aka Pipiwai Trail! Hi Chis I dont know anything about repelling however I do know that many of our cliffs are quite prone to fracturing and breaking apart, so my advice would be not to try this without a guide who is very familiar with Maui. You can choose either to navigate you to the start of the Pipiwai Trail. Aloha Mark, Very muddy. During normal conditions, the water flows over only the far side; the near side of this pool has taller, thick rock lip that will keep anyone with sense enough to stay on the pool-side from a one-way date with gravity. This is the absolutely stunning precipice of Makahiku waterfall, a sheer lava-rock cliff face that drops almost 200 into the valley below. $. The trailhead for the Ppwai Trail is located to the left of the Visitor Center. You will wait in line in front of the entrance gate until a space becomes available. On the way back a lot of traffic going the other way, with several drivers with a death wish Then, after lunch, we went to the black sand beach very very late for our reservation, and after that just went back, everybody was wiped out. 3750 Wailea Alanui * Kihei, HI 96753. As many have said, its more about the journey than the destination, but we think both in this case are pretty awesome! Gilligans' Island Luau is an intimate luau experience and is the only luau in Kihei on Maui. This is a different visitors center than the one at the top of Haleakala Crater, so dont get the two confused if you have your heart set on this hike. No stops were planned , but had to stop twice - one of the kids was very nauseous. If you drive straight to the trail without stopping, around 4 hours. Your shoes WILL get dirty!! Or you could make it a 2 day trip if you plan to sleep in some hotel in the road to Hana (Im not that rich, tyvm. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle. There are restrooms at the Visitor Center but none along the trail. Drive Yourself. PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you plan to drive the Road to Hana and hike the Ppwai Trail, you might want to save some stops on the drive for the return trip, just to make sure you have enough time to hike the trail before the national park closes for the day. Its warm, yet not hot and theres always a chance for a light cool mist. MIKE KROPF, THE DAILY PROGRESS Virginia's Kihei Clark (0) shoots a basket while North Carolina's Rechon "Leaky" Black (1) tries to defend during the second half of an NCAA college . MICHIGAN It looks vastly different than the barren, almost Mars-like appearance of the Haleakala crater. The parking lot was about 1/3 full and I was actually surprised at how many cars were already here. So you have to drive the RTH to reach it. GRAND TETON WY The most difficult part of the hike occurs within the first half mile with a couple of steep areas. The last entry into the park is at 4:30 pm (get updated hours before you go on the National Park Service website). Past the Banyan, another side-trail will present itself (hint: the Park Service has placed a TRAIL arrow here pointing away from it (and toward the main trail.) EVERGLADES FL Transportation At $175 / Small Group (6 & under) 175 $. That being said, you will probably need to fly into the Kahului Airport (OGG) and either rent a car or hitch-hike to the trail head. You may use these HTML tags and attributes: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Original info & content 2009 to 2023 Maui Guidebook.com, LLC, Maui, Hawaii. Since the Pipiwai Trail is a part of Haleakala National Park, an entry fee is required. Distance: 3.8 miles out-and-back Difficulty: Moderate Total Ascent: 1,200 feet Elevation at the Trailhead: 100 feet Elevation at Waimoku Falls (end of trail): 875 feet Length of Time: 1.5 to 4 hours When to Go: The Ppwai Trail can be hiked year round. Can you give me an idea of what kind of physical activities give you difficulty? Not to hike the Pipiwai Trail or visit the Kipahulu District, although you should get here early to get a parking space. Once you arrive you'll have to go through an entrance station where a fee of $30 per vehicle is required. The Oheo pools are very close to the visitor center but are still closed to swimming. Hana airport is the closest, however, if youre not flying in from another island to stay in Hana specifically, youll likely want to drive from where you stay. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. One of the easiest ways to access the pools is via the Pipiwai Trail. From inside the pool you will observe why the guidebook name makes sense views from the pool emulate that of a resort-style Infinity pool and are jaw-dropping (to say the least) as the deep blue of the ocean appears to meet the edge of the pool. Would love to do this but if it isnt suitable for young children, we wait on it. Pick about three or four stops you want to see, and then anything else you have time for is a bonus! Love hiking the bamboo in a fine mist. yes it is safe as long as you have a good hold on them along the trail. But you may also consider making the Pipiwai Trail your first major stop, and making the majority of your other big stops on the way back. Download your copy of our Taking into account the easy accessibility, the Pipiwai Trail offers, hands-down, the all-around best of East Maui's most dramatic stream and waterfall hikes. Its located at the end of the Road to Hana, and the last point where people would typically turn around and drive the Road to Hana as an out-and-back if they choose to go this far. I am an active 20 year old male who has an extra day in Maui and read so many wonderful things about this trial. It gains 650 feet in elevation in just under 4 miles of trail. The National Park Service has blocked this path as yet another casualty of a popular guidebook that doesnt properly educate visitors as to the dangers in the places it sends them. Really want to do this hike but concerned about my level of fitness for incline hiking. Spend some time in the mysterious, zen-like oasis before continuing out of the forest and towards Waimoku Falls. WIND CAVE SD Learn about the best time to visit Maui . Its not a very long drive, at least in terms of distance, but because of the hundreds of turns and one-way bridges, it takes several hours to drive this stretch of road. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI I hiked this trail in 2018 and the bamboo forest was one of my favorite parts. Do you reccommend going alone or paying for a guided tour? Are there any other hikes that are more. The dramatic diversity then suddenly morphs into the zen-oneness of an immense bamboo forest. It's about 4 miles RT. Continue on the path (and up more stairs before the terrain levels out) to immerse yourself in the bamboo forest. The road is narrow with one lane bridges, but in that respect its similar to the Road to Hana. This 1.8-mile route offers one of the best hikes in East Maui. So it costs $30 to hike the Pipiwai Trail, but with the fee comes the possibility of exploring more of Haleakala National Park! Pipiwai Trail is 4 miles roundtrip, gaining 650-feet in elevation. This 400 foot waterfall is one of the tallest in Maui. If it has recently rained, the trail will be muddy. Your online price: 375 USD. How long do you think it will take to get there from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This 200 foot (61 m) waterfall has carved out the valley below. You park at the Haleakala National Park Visitor Center (again this is a different Visitor Center than the one on the way to Haleakala Crater). To avoid waiting in line, try to plan your arrival by 10 am. Before or after the hike (if theres time) do the half-mile loop to Oheo Gulch from the visitors center to view the Seven Sacred Pools. Mountain apples are oddly attached to the trees on which they grow. It will probably be easier to find someone heading your direction from Hana anyway. The road leading to the entrance of Haleakala National Park is the narrow Hana Highway with pretty much no shoulder space. There are restrooms at the Visitor Center but none along the trail. It's 30.00 and is good for a year. THEODORE ROOSEVELT ND To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. There are basically 2 sections to Haleakala National Park. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS TN NC Hike the Pipiwai Trail. Thanks for any advice you can give! Just looking for a rough estimate, thanks. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110507016', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kihei to the park entrance to the trail in just over 3 hours. Ive seen elsewhere were they have closed access to the pools and you cant get close to the water to see the falls. UTAH Best bet is to check the Haleakala National Park website the day prior to your trip for real-time closure info. As one of Mauis most popular hikes, complete solitude is hard to come by on Pipiwai (the encompassing Haleakala National Park regularly sees more than 1 million visitors per year). Assume that you will be walking through mud, so wear a pair of shoes that you dont mind getting dirty. Key Info: (for trailhead @ HNP Kipahulu.) The road is not nearly as bad as other sources make it out to be. If youre a tree climber (or you have some in-tow like I usually do) youll be spending more than a couple minutes here. Kihei Rent A Car96 Kio LoopKihei, Maui, HI 96753, 2023 Kihei Rent-A-Car Inc., All Rights Reserved . PICTURED ROCKS MI The Kpahulu District is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. As the trail continues winding, if you pay careful attention the bamboo will begin to thin and trees will start coming back. Get here no later than 3 pm, so you have enough time to finish the hike before the gates close. Years ago, the National Park Service added a handy boardwalk through this forest to keep hikers headed in the right direction and keep the mud at bay. Mile Marker: #42 (Hana Hwy aka Hwy 31 *After Hana markers go back down) Answer 1 of 12: Approximately how long might it take to drive from Kihei straight to Pipiwai trail (no stops)? Quite slippery so if you have hiking poles bringem, or pick up one of the many of the natural variety that seem to get left at the gate. Your humor and descriptive writing are perfect! Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. Jen. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Parking is $10 per vehicle and is valid for 3 days at any of the Haleakala National Park areas, so save your receipt if you've already gone up to the crater or plan to. I would like to take my 87 year old mother for a little walk on this trail. We are going with a few older companions who might not be able to hop across rocks and do not know how to swim. The Kpahulu District is located on the south coast of Maui. Were a couple who are fit for someone who doesnt go to the gym. If you get to the Pipiwai trail hike too late to do it, I imagine you will have had a very satisfying day and wont be sorry! You will still get a taste of the spectacular scenery and views of a beautiful natural waterfall without completing the entire trail. Is this hike safe enough to carry a toddler in? So once you enter the Haleakala National Park Kipahulu area, youll just continue to follow the signs to the parking! This 4 mile trail runs along a section of the King's Highway.